Estate Planning for Van Buren County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Van Buren County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Van Buren County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court - Probate Division. The two tools that keep a Van Buren County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Circuit Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Skipping this planning step means the Circuit Court - Probate Division decides who receives the property: a simple Arkansas probate takes 6+ months and opens with $165 in court filing fees. Arkansas also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Van Buren County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Van Buren County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Circuit Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, an Arkansas beneficiary deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentArk. Code Ann. 18-12-608Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathArk. Code Ann. 18-12-608Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a ArkansasTOD deed →Van Buren Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Van Buren County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Debbie Gray, at 273 Main Street, Suite 2, Clinton, AR 72031. Phone: 501-745-4140.

The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. A 2-page beneficiary deed costs $20 to record in Van Buren County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Van Buren County · Debbie Gray

Address

273 Main Street, Suite 2Clinton, AR 72031

Fax

501-745-7400

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$15
Each additional page$5
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Ark. Code Ann. 21-6-306

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Van Buren County

The Estate Planning & Elder Law Practice of Mitch Cash

Solo Practice

Estate planning and elder law practice in Marshall serving north central Arkansas, with additional offices in Harrison and Calico Rock. Mitch Cash, a former Searcy County District Court Judge, handles wills, trusts, probate, and Medicaid/life care planning for families. Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and ElderCounsel.

Location
608 Hwy 65 NorthMarshall, AR 72650
Service Area
7 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship
  • Special Needs Planning

John D. Milum, P.A.

Solo Practice

General-practice firm with offices in Yellville, Salem, and Harrison, serving Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Izard, and Sharp County families in north central Arkansas. Handles estate planning, probate, powers of attorney, guardianships, elder law, and deeds, plus the real estate and property work that surfaces when settling an estate.

Location
121 Hwy 62 EastYellville, AR 72687
Service Area
6 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Elder Law
  • Guardianship
  • Civil Litigation

McClelland Law Firm, P.A.

Firm

Sherwood estate and elder law firm with offices also in Searcy, Benton, and Little Rock, serving families across central Arkansas probate courts. Steven McClelland and his team handle probate administration, trust administration, guardianships, and Medicaid planning, with a focus on retaining public benefits for elderly or incapacitated clients.

Location
135 Shadow Oaks DriveSherwood, AR 72120
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship

Niblock & Associates

Firm

Little Rock firm founded in 1988 with offices in Searcy and Stuttgart, serving Pulaski, White, and Arkansas County families. Handles probate of estates with and without a will, distributing property under the will or Arkansas intestacy law. Over 17,500 cases handled and 125+ years of combined experience; offers a free consultation.

Location
5701 South University AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72209
Established
1988
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration
  • Trust Administration
Free consultation

Pinnacle Legacy Law

Firm

Central Arkansas estate firm with offices in Little Rock, Searcy, and Conway, covering Pulaski, White, and Faulkner county families. Handles living trusts, wills, probate, trust administration, and Medicaid planning. Free consultations offered.

Location
900 S Shackleford Rd, Suite 708Little Rock, AR 72211
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Elder Law
Free consultation

Campbell, Grooms & Spaulding, PLLC

Firm

Little Rock firm on Cantrell Road handling probate and estate administration in Pulaski County and courts statewide. Walks executors through will validation, appointment of personal representatives, asset inventory and valuation, creditor claims, and final distribution under Arkansas law.

Location
8114 Cantrell Road, Suite 100Little Rock, AR 72227
Established
2012
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Business Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Real Estate
  • Construction Law
See all 17 firms serving Van Buren County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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